Bridges in Washington with Restrictions for Commercial Vehicles

The state of Washington has several bridge restrictions that may apply based on weight, dimensions, axle configuration, height, or type of cargo for a commercial vehicle. Some restrictions change temporarily due to maintenance or rehabilitation work. However, knowing about these restrictions can be essential to avoid fines, delivery delays, and, above all, dangerous situations.

Restrictions exist primarily to protect structures whose load-carrying capacity has been reduced due to deterioration caused by damage, age, or design characteristics. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) conducts load-capacity evaluations during bridge inspections, and when a structure cannot safely support certain loads, restrictions or weight limits are established.

In general, WSDOT distinguishes between restricted bridges and bridges with posted load limits:

• Restricted bridge: Certain vehicles carrying loads that exceed legal or permit limits may be prohibited from crossing.
• Bridge with a posted load limit: The permitted weight may be lower than the normal legal weight for a truck, so vehicles exceeding the limit must use an alternate route.

For truck drivers, this means that having a permit to transport an oversized or overweight load does not guarantee that the vehicle can cross every bridge along the route. Specific restrictions for each structure remain mandatory.

Vantage Bridge: A Particularly Important Restriction in 2026

One case that freight operators should be aware of in 2026 is the Vantage Bridge, located on I-90. WSDOT established restrictions related to bridge deck replacement and special repair work beginning March 2, 2026, and continuing approximately through November 2026. On this structure, loads more than 9 feet wide are not permitted on the affected section of I-90, between mileposts 149.75 and 111.

For operators hauling wide loads, this measure is particularly important. WSDOT indicates that the permit system may automatically route certain trips around the Vantage Bridge. If a vehicle is 9 feet wide or less and needs to use the bridge, the system allows operators to add a specific waypoint to include the bridge in the route.

Carbon River/Fairfax Bridge: An Example of a Severe Restriction

Another important case to be aware of is the SR 165 Carbon River/Fairfax Bridge, which demonstrates how a structure can go from having weight restrictions to being completely closed.

WSDOT reports that this bridge, which opened in 1921, had been subject for years to restrictions for trucks, tractor-trailers, and vehicle combinations. In 2024, after advanced deterioration was detected in structural elements, the limit was reduced to 8 tons, or 16,000 pounds. Later, following additional inspections, WSDOT closed the bridge to traffic on April 14, 2025, and permanently closed it to vehicles, pedestrians, and bicycles on April 22 of that year.

For truck drivers, this case serves as a reminder that a bridge restriction should not be considered permanent. Conditions can change following an inspection, an emergency, or construction work. A route that was previously legal for a particular type of truck may no longer be permitted.

What Every Truck Driver Should Know About Bridge Restrictions

When discussing commercial vehicle restrictions, many drivers first think about gross vehicle weight. However, dimensions can also prevent a vehicle from crossing.

WSDOT establishes general legal dimensions for commercial vehicles of 8 feet 6 inches in width, 14 feet in height, and 53 feet in length for a tractor and trailer, although other rules may apply depending on the type of vehicle and combination. Vehicles exceeding legal dimensions or weight limits may require a permit, and loads that can reasonably be divided may not qualify for certain permits for non-divisible loads.

In addition, WSDOT expressly states that the carrier is responsible for checking the route for clearance issues. This is especially important on trips that include bridges, overhead structures, overpasses, and other locations with limited vertical clearance.

One of the best practices every truck driver can follow is to review the entire route before starting the trip, especially when the truck is carrying an overweight or oversized load or has a special axle configuration.

For a permitted load, the driver must also review the conditions listed on the permit itself. WSDOT states that road and bridge restrictions are included on the applicable permits and that carriers must comply with them without exception.

Quick Checklist Before Departure

• Confirm the gross vehicle weight and the weight on each axle.
• Check the total width, height, and length of the vehicle combination.
• Review current WSDOT commercial vehicle restrictions.
• Verify the clearance heights of all bridges and structures along the route.
• Review the permit if the load is oversized or overweight.
• Confirm whether there are temporary construction-related restrictions.
• Check the conditions again shortly before starting the trip.
• Have an alternate route identified when a bridge has restrictions.

The key is not to rely solely on GPS or outdated information. Navigation apps may show a seemingly valid route, but commercial vehicle restrictions can be more specific and may change with little notice.